Firefighters battle Waterford brush fire

WATERFORD TWP. — Crews from the state Forest Fire Service fought a brush fire near Sandy Causeway and Raritan Ave. on Sunday, just southwest of the Atsion recreation area in Wharton State Forest.

Scanner broadcasts indicated that the fire was first reported at about 10:30 a.m., and that air tankers had made at least one drop before noon.

The state Department of Environmental Protection said at 3 p.m. that about 250 acres were currently burning, and that officials expect the blaze to consume about 500 acres before it is contained. No injuries have been reported.

"That number can change," said Larry Hajna, DEP spokesman. "These situations tend to be fluid and depend on the weather, shifts in the wind and fire breaks."

About eight trucks, as well as additional vehicles, an air tanker and an observation helicopter were on the scene.